- UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vowed Friday to replenish the state's indebted unemployment insurance trust fund to avoid future tax increases to businesses and said a $300 weekly federal bonus to unemployment benefits will continue through the expiration date in September. The comments came as Lujan Grisham announced new efforts to improve responsiveness to calls for assistance with unemployment claims and initiatives to deter fraud. The governor's administration is in the process of expanding staffing by 110 positions at the Workforce Solutions Department and will receive outside advice on how to improve the agency's performance.
- IMMIGRATION-CRIME OFFICE
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Biden administration says it has dismantled a Trump-era government office that was created to help victims of crimes committed by immigrants. The move is symbolic of President Joe Biden's rejection of former President Donald Trump's repeated efforts to link immigrants with crime. Trump created the Victim Of Immigration Crime Engagement Office by executive order during his first week in office in January 2017. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Friday it will replace the office created by Trump with what it says is a more comprehensive and inclusive victim support system.
- NEW MEXICO HORSE RACING
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An organization that represents race horse owners and trainers is challenging New Mexico regulators over the distribution of some purse winnings. Also at issue is the state Racing Commission's recent decision to halt the collection of fees that fund medical expenses for horsemen and their employees and legislative lobbying efforts. The New Mexico Horsemen's Association contends in recent court filings that commissioners took away a large portion of the group's funding due to its opposition to using purse money for expenses at the state's five privately owned tracks. The group also had criticized the commission for canceling some race meets and shortening others.
- SOUTHWEST HEAT
PHOENIX (AP) — Dangerously hot temperatures are expected in Arizona next week. The excessive heat warning has prompted health officials to reschedule outdoor COVID-19 vaccination operations in Tucson. Fire officials in Phoenix making sure to rotate crews working major fires and the Border Patrol warning of dangers that migrants face crossing the desert. The warning for high temperatures of up to 118 degrees in south-central Arizona takes effect Saturday and extends into next Friday. Forecasters say people should stay indoors, drink additional water and check on family, friends and neighbors. Heat warnings and advisories were also issued in California, Nevada and New Mexico.
- GIRL KILLING-TRIAL
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Opening statements have started this week for a trial against a New Mexico man prosecutors say raped and killed 6-year-old Ariana "Jade" Romeo in August 2018. Jade's mother, Stephanie Romeo, told a jury on Wednesday that she came home from a long night of work and didn't notice until the following morning on Aug. 11 that her daughter was dead. Court records show Jade had multiple injuries to her body. The Rio Rancho Police Department responded to the home where an officer encountered 24-year-old Leland Hust, later identified as a suspect. Hust is charged with child abuse and rape and could be sentenced to life in prison.
- STIMULUS IMMIGRANTS ROUND TWO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico residents who weren't eligible for those $1,400 direct cash payments from the federal government have another chance to get some direct relief. New Mexico state officials are accepting applications starting next week for a $5 million program approved by the state legislature. It offers up to $750 to state residents not eligible for federal relief, including immigrants in the country without legal permission, elderly residents who count as dependants, and others. Applicants can prove residency with taxpayer numbers and state driver's licenses. Both are available to immigrants without legal status. A similar round of payments in December reached around 15,000 people.
- BETTER INTERNET-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top information technology official says a new $100 million state account for expanding access to high-speed internet is just a start and that investments of $1 billion are likely needed to modernize infrastructure. In a presentation to legislators on Thursday, Information Technology Secretary John Salazar said that international consultant Deloitte is helping the state anticipate opportunities for federal grants to improve internet access and data transfer rates. A nationwide search is underway for an administrator to guide New Mexico's expansion of high-speed internet. The COVID-19 pandemic and a year-long pivot to online learning have exposed gaps in internet service.
- OIL AND GAS-SPILLS
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico oil and gas regulators have revised state rules to make it unlawful for drillers to spill liquid waste. The Oil Conservation Commission adopted the changes Thursday, a day after hearing testimony from environmentalists, industry representatives and residents. The changes stem from a joint proposal by the state's energy agency and the environmental group WildEarth Guardians. Before now, New Mexico — one of the top producing states in the U.S. — did not have a rule barring operators from spilling oil and other byproducts from hydraulic fracturing. Instead, companies had to report the spill and then work with the state to clean it up.